Tailgating truck accidents are a common cause of serious injury or death across the United States. Tailgating involves truckers following too close behind a vehicle ahead, a dangerous behavior that significantly increases the risk of a truck accident. Tailgating is a hazardous behavior for any vehicle driver, but extremely dangerous when trucks are involved due to the immense size, weight and length of commercial trucks.

The drivers of semi trucks, 18 wheelers, tractor trailers and other commercial trucks must exercise extreme caution. Truck drivers must follow all state as well as federal safety regulations Unfortunately, drivers do not always follow necessary rules and regulations, which often leads to serious accidents and injuries.

18 Wheeler Accidents and Tailgating

Anytime a truck driver tailgates a car, he or she is acting in an extremely negligent manner. This negligent conduct can occur when:

Truck drivers follow too closely behind other vehicles in an effort to force cars to move aside so that the truck can pass;

Truck drivers tailgate other vehicles while driving on hilly roads and do not want to break for fear of losing their gained momentum; or

Truck drivers follow other trucks in order to form a vacuum with the truck ahead.

Greater Speed Increases a Truck’s Stopping Distance

Studies show that tractor trailers traveling at 30 mph need about 100 feet to come to a full stop. Doubling this speed does far more than doubling the stopping distance. The stopping distance at 60 mph jumps to 426 feet. Adding another five mph increases the stopping distance to an astonishing 525 feet.

Truck drivers that decide to tailgate other vehicles may underestimate the extreme dangers involved in such actions. If the truck driver misjudges stopping distance, he or she may easily rear-end cars ahead. These accidents lead to potentially serious injuries, including traumatic brain injury, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, paralysis, and even death.

Liability In Rear-End Truck Accidents

When a truck hits the vehicle ahead because it was not observing a safe following distance, the truck driver will almost certainly be found liable for the accident. Your attorney will assess the accident and help you to understand potential liability in the case. The trucking company’s insurer may attempt to shift liability to you by claiming you stopped short or without warning. Your attorney will need to contest these allegations and present your case for negligence strongly, which may be assisted by skid mark evidence, black box data, witness accounts, traffic cameras, and much more. If you have been involved in a tailgating truck accident, contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

Greenberg Stone and Urbano: Zealous Representation for the Victims of Truck Accidents Across South Florida

When negligent truckers cause accidents due to tailgating, serious injuries and even death can result. If you or a loved one is hurt or killed in a truck accident, the Miami Truck Accident Attorneys at Greenberg Stone and Urbano can help. We offer the dedicated representation you need to obtain the compensation you deserve. For over 130 collective years, our experienced attorneys have assisted truck accident victims across South Florida. We seek to obtain compensation for all of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our dedication to legal excellence has earned us an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell and recognition as one of South Florida’s top firms by the Miami Herald. Call us at (888) 499-9700 or (305) 595-2400 or visit our website to schedule your initial consultation.

Greenberg, Stone & Urbano

11440 N Kendall Dr, #400

Miami, FL33176

Phone: (888) 499-9700 Local: (305) 595-2400

Naples Office

999 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #200

Naples, FL34108

Phone: (888) 499-9700Local: (239) 325-5100

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